One Good Turn Deserves Another

There is nothing quite so satisfying as finding that you are helping to make a difference.  I learned today that I’ve been singled out (as has my South African friend Karen) to receive a Courageous Blogger Award by a truly compassionate woman, Lady Macleod. The award goes to those “who have overcome challenges in life.”

Lady Macleod wrote this about our efforts: “My reasons for these two choices are
numerous: these two women have taught me about the heartbreak of
infertility the courage of overcoming such heartache. It is not an
issue that
crosses the minds of us who do not have this problem, and especially us
who are blessed with children. I fear I was part of the ignorant, if
well meaning, public who has the view that this is only a small part of
the life of anyone who faces it, and there are substitutes to be had. I
have been wrong before, but oh my! I am so grateful to both these women
for educating me. PJ has dedicated her blog to this purpose, the
education of those of us who do not know because we are not of that
world, and giving solace to those who are, by giving them a voice…”

When I started this blog I knew it would be difficult to build a bridge of understanding between the fertile and infertile communities. My initial attempts at capturing the many challenges associated with infertility were driven as much by anger and sadness as by a desire to raise awareness and change perceptions.

Lady Macleod, living at the moment in Morocco, was an early and regular reader of my blog. She has consistently commented offering words of encouragement and empathy. She has more than fulfilled the requirements for my Act of Kindness Award, which I’d like to offer her in turn. (If you haven’t visit Lady Macleod’s site, please do so. She is a fascinating woman.)

While the vast majority of my encounters with mothers seems to be more Momzilla than sensitive Madonna (the original meaning not the pop star), I’m coming to appreciate that there is huge capacity for compassion among those who have never had direct experience with infertility. Lady Macleod as well as reader Antonia (both mothers among other roles) link to my blog in part to help raise awareness about infertility among their readers. Perhaps one day, with the help of many, we’ll reach a point where kindness and sensitivity are the first behaviors a fertile person exhibits toward those with infertility.

I’ve learned that there is a sister award called the Inspirational Blogger Award for bloggers who not only rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others. My nominees should come as no surprise:

Bea, who authors Infertile Fantasies and organizes the International Infertility Film Festival and encourages us all to be better people through her good deeds.

Mel, a force of nature behind Stirrup Queens. She acts as a hub for a diverse group of women who are at various stages of confronting, treating and coming to terms with infertility.

Schatzi, who infuses her posts at From the Peanut Gallery with insight, humor and, yes, inspiration.

Liana, who dispenses tough love when necessary and shows on her blog Welcome to the Dollhouse that life’s challenges don’t have to stop us from living full and enriching lives.

Ellen, whose blog is Miss E’s Musings.
She was one of the first bloggers to help me understand that living
childfree does not equal admitting defeat. She’s also been instrumental
in helping me advance my book project.

Now about that book — I’m happy to report I’ve made great progress in the past week. Now back to it…